Mammograms are the gold standard, but there's news about digital scans and other options to ponder

Early detection is key to beating breast cancer. Consider this: the survival rate five years after treating a Stage I tumor (one that hasn't spread at all) is 98%, while the five-year survival rates for Stages III and IV are about 50% and 16%, respectively. While no method of detection is perfect, there are more options available now than ever before. And don't forget the monthly self-exam.

•Mammography The gold standard in breast screening comes in two varieties: screen-film mammography (SFM) and the newer full-field digital mammography (FFDM). Both use low-dose X rays to create two views of each breast....